David Macinnis Gill's Blog: Thunderchikin Reads, page 17
March 11, 2013
Revolution is Filming Again
Fans of this year’s surprise TV hit Revolution will be delighted to know that after a sabbatical, the show is once again filming around wilmington NC (one of three film/TV producers going on). I haven’t had the chance to take new photos, so I’ve linked to the Star-News, which has 60+ photos. LIke other production, Revolution has made use of the building where I work. Last Fall, I took a couple of pictures of our building when it turned from UNCW to Ohio State (below). Last week, another movie, The Remainders, turned the building into a wedding chapel. I’ll save those photos for another post.
March 8, 2013
Some Dreams Do Come True
One of the ironies of growing up to be a voracious reader, a published novelist and an English teacher/professor is that there were very few books in our home. Both of my parents were laborers who never finished high school, and while they read, it was the books that they could borrow or in my father’s case, the history textbooks I brought home from school.
The other thing that I brought home from school was the flyer from Scholastic Book Club. From first grade to eighth, these flyers were my gateway drug to new a cool books that we could afford–not every time and not many books, but still enough to keep me going. I’m not sure where I would’ve been as a reader (maybe more of my mother’s Sidney Sheldon books would’ve found their way into my hands), but my life would have less rich, I know that for sure.
So it is that I celebrate the publication of this month’s TAB flyer from Scholastic Book Clubs, which lists Black Hole Sun on page 2, right next to Orson Scoot Card’s Ender’s Game (a bit of synchronicity in it’s own right):
January 31, 2013
On Sale: Rising Sun, prequel to the Durango books
Rising Sun cover
In late Fall 2012, I finished the last revisions on Shadow on the Sun, the final book in the Hell’s Cross (my name for the series)/Sun/Durango books. I was relieved–after more than a year and several substantial revisions, the book and the series were finally done.
Now, I could take a breather and left my worn out fingers take a rest. No sooner did I hit the send button that an email arrived from my editor, requesting that I write a e-novella prequel to the series and have it finished for a February launch. I laughed because there was no way I could write a 24k novella in that amount of time, and then I said yes. Because even though I had finished with the series, I knew that there would always be stories to tell in Durango’s world. How could I pass up the chance?
For the next month, I wrote what became a long novella, almost 38k words. We shrank it a bit on revision, but not by much. Laid out like a traditional book, it’s a 160 page novel, which is about half the length of the other novels in the series. I hope that it’s big enough to satisfy the reader and that some of the answers about Durango’s backstory are enough to satisfy your curiosity–a little bit, at least.
Official Blurb:
Rising Sun is a stand-alone 125-page novella, a prequel to David Macinnis Gill’s acclaimed Black Hole Sun, of which Suzanne Collins said, “Black Hole Sun rockets readers to new frontiers … action-packed.”
Jacob Stringfellow, aka Durango, once had a promising career in the elite armed forces. That was before. Before his father betrayed him and his unit. Before he almost died and had an artificial intelligence flash-cloned to his brain. Now Durango and Mimi (the AI) are figuring out how to get along and figuring out how to stay in the game. Set on a violent and unforgettable dystopian Mars, this is a must read for fans of the author’s Black Hole Sun trilogy and for anyone who loves intense, action-packed science fiction.
So here it is, the start of Durango and Mimi together. For those of you who keep count, this is Hell’s Cross Number 0. It’s available on all ebook formats for $1.99.
Available at:
ISBN: 9780062273024; ISBN10: 0062273027; Imprint: Greenwillow Books ; On Sale: 2/5/2013; Format: eBook; Trimsize: ; Pages: 161; $1.99; Ages: 14 and Up
November 29, 2012
YA Scavenger Hunt Winter 2012
Welcome to YA Scavenger Hunt! This tri-annual event was first organized by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors…and a chance to win some awesome prizes! At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize–one lucky winner will receive one signed book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!
Go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are TWO contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of the RED TEAM–but there is also a blue team for a chance to win a whole different set of twenty-five signed books!
If you’d like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt homepage.
SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE
Directions: Below, you’ll notice that I’ve listed my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the red team, and then add them up (don’t worry, you can use a calculator!).
Entry Form: Once you’ve added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.
Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian’s permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by August 5, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.
SCAVENGER HUNT POST
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Today, I am hosting JOSEPHINE ANGELINI on my website for the YA Scavenger Hunt! Josie graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in theater, with a focus on the classics. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband. Her first two novels, Starcrossed and Dreamless, are both international bestsellers. Her third book Goddess comes out May 2013.
Find out more information by checking out the author website or find more about Josie and her newest, GODDESS!
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
ABOUT GODDESS: After accidentally unleashing the gods from their captivity on Olympus, Helen must find a way to re-imprison them without starting a devastating war. 
But the gods are angry, and their thirst for blood already has a body count.To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a diabolical Tyrant is lurking among them, which drives a wedge between the once-solid group of friends. As the gods use the Scions against one another, Lucas’s life hangs in the balance. Still unsure whether she loves him or Orion, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, for war is coming to her shores. For a sneak peak at the first chapter, CLICK HERE. The password to the first chapter of Goddess is — sneakapeek.
And remember to enter the contest for a chance to win a ton of signed books by me, JOSEPHINE ANGELINI , and more! To enter, you need to know that my favorite number is 13. Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on the red team and you’ll have all the secret code to enter for the grand prize!
CONTINUE THE HUNT
To keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out the next author, J.A. SOUDERS
Tweet #YASH
WAIT! THERE’S MORE!
For readers particiapting in the YA SCAVENGER HUNT, I am giving away ARCs to SHADOW ON THE SUN (out March, 2103), third in the Durango series. Enter to win below:
WAIT! THERE’S EVEN MORE!
I’m also giving away five copies of RISING SUN, the e-novella prequel to BLACK HOLE SUN. This ebook original is part of the new HarperTen Impulse line. It will be published Feb. 5th, and I will send five copies of it to readers on that date.
September 13, 2012
Black Hole Sun ebook for $3.99
Check out BHS for Kindle http://amzn.to/wQjkrR and Nook http://bit.ly/U9Jw2u for just $3.99, which is less than a gallon of gas and lets you travel millions of miles farther.
August 5, 2012
Molly Danger by Jamal Igle
I’m backing the new graphic novel, Molly Danger, by veteran artist Jamal Igle. Molly is the world’s most powerful 10 year old superhero is comic book superstar. The drawings look fresh and interesting and who doesn’t love the idea of a ten year old girl superhero?
Here’s the info on the creator:
My name is Jamal Igle and I’m a 22 year veteran of the comic book industry, having drawn everything from Action Comics to Firestorm the nuclear man, 52, Countdown, Daredevil/Shi, Iron Man, Iron Fist/ Wolverine, KISS, New Warriors, Noble Causes, Nightwing, Spider-man, Supergirl, Superman and Zatanna. My work has appeared in projects for the European market such as L’armée Des Anges for Les Humanoïdes Associé andPerry Rhodan, reprinted in a number of languages internationally. I’m also a former editor, marketing executive and art director, I’ve worked in television animation on series such as Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chroniclesand Max Steel. Last year, I received the Inkpot Award for achievement in comic art. Currently I’m completing work on KISS for IDW Publishing andSMALLVILLE Season 11 for DC COMICS.
July 31, 2012
YA Scavenger Hunt
I’m David Macinnis Gill, your host for this stop.
You’re hunting for TEAM RED
This tri-annual event was first organized by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors…and a chance to win some awesome prizes! At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize–one lucky winner will receive one signed book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!
Go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are TWO contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of the RED TEAM–but there is also a (much less interesting and hygienic) blue team for a chance to win a whole different set of twenty-five signed books!
If you’d like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt homepage.
SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE
Directions: Below, you’ll notice that I’ve listed my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the red team, and then add them up (don’t worry, you can use a calculator!).
Entry Form: Once you’ve added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.
Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian’s permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by August 5, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.
SCAVENGER HUNT POST
Leah Bobet
Today, I am hosting LEAH BOBET on my website for the YA Scavenger Hunt! Leah Bobet drinks tea, wears feathers in her hair, and plants gardens in back alleys. She lives in Toronto, Ontario and is the author of _Above_, a modern fantasy novel available from Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic.
Find out more information by checking out Leah’s website or find more about Leah’s book here!
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Click here for Leah’s secret content — a deleted scene from ABOVE!
Remember to enter the contest for a chance to win a ton of signed books by me, hosted author’s name, and more! To enter, you need to know that my favorite date is Friday the 13th (which also happens to be my favorite number). Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on the red team, and you’ll have all the secret code to enter for the grand prize!
BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!
To celebrate the YA Scavenger Hunt, I’m giving away signed copies of Black Hole Sun, Invisible Sun, and the ARC of Shadow on the Sun (coming soon). Enter below to win!
CONTINUE THE HUNT
To keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out the next author, JESSICA SPOTSWOOD!
July 27, 2012
We Are Paterno by Chris Crutcher
One of my heroes, Chris Curtcher, has posted about Penn State in a blog titled “We Are Paterno.” As always, Crutcher cuts through the bullshit and brings the truth home:
A teacher in a public high school in this country is looking out over a classroom that includes (conservatively) one in four girls and one in seven boys who have been sexually mistreated. In my early days at the mental health center in Spokane, Washington, the child therapist who worked almost exclusively with sexually abused five-and-unders, worked twelve hours a day four days a week and ten hours the fifth, eating lunch in the minutes between clients, and she had a six month waiting list. That’s in a county that might have included 350,000 people.
The two categories of people most often diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome in this country are soldiers and sex abuse victims, and from a mental health perspective we treat them both about the same. They go to war — and believe me, if you’re a victim of that kind of abuse, you’ve been to war – and expect them to deal with the damage with almost no help. The New York Times reports we’re losing a soldier a day to suicide. There’s no way to calculate the number we’re losing from that other war.
There rest of the post is here. I can hear Crutcher’s voice in my head as I reads this. I wonder if he might do a podcast of it so that everyone else could hear him, too.
July 24, 2012
YA Scavenger Hunt Authors Announced
This summer the Hunt will have two teams (RED & BLUE) of 27 authors each. I’m on the RED team, which befits my fiery personality (of course if I were on the Blue team, it would befit my cool, laid-back personality–I’m adaptable). Prizes will include ALL of the following books, plus more, and The YA Scavenger Hunt will commence on August 1st. Mark your calendar and come on back!
THE RED TEAM (Yay!)
JOSEPHINE ANGELINI
LEAH BOBET
LISA BURSTEIN
KRISTI COOK
JULIE CROSS
TRACY DEEBS
KIMBERLY DERTING
TARA FULLER
DAVID MACINNIS GILL
JANET GURTLER
RACHEL HARRIS
ELISSA J. HOOLE
AMALIE HOWARD
CORRINE JACKSON
STACEY KADE
JESSICA KHOURY
JONATHAN MABERRY
CLAIRE MERLE
COURTNEY ALLISON MOULTON
GREGG OLSEN
JOCELYN DAVIES
LISSA PRICE
PETER ADAM SALOMON
JERI SMITH-READY
JESSICA SPOTSWOOD
TERI TERRY
LANI WOODLAND
THE BLUE TEAM (Yay not so much)
HEATHER ANASTASIU
JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT
GWENDA BOND
TERA LYNN CHILDS
ANGELA CORBETT
GINA DAMICO
ED DEHORATIUS
LEIGH FALLON
MARLEY GIBSON
SHAUNA GRANGER
CYNTHIA HAND
NANCY HOLDER
COLLEEN HOUCK
TARA HUDSON
DENISE JADEN
MIRANDA KENNEALLY
SUZANNE LAZEAR
JODI MEADOWS
ALEXANDRA MONIR
E.C. MYERS
ERICA O’ROURKE
AMY PLUM
CARRIE RYAN
JESSICA SHIRVINGTON
J.A. SOUDERS
VICTORIA STRAUSS
DEBBIE VIGUIE
July 23, 2012
SHINE wins Walden Award
SHINE by Lauren Myracle was one of my favorites of the year when it came out, so I was delighted to learn that the book has won the 2012 Walden Award, given by the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN). SHINEis a powerful story, and Lauren is a delight. Truly, it can’t have happened to a kinder person, and I’m glad to have once shared a pair of pants with her.
Here’s the official notice:
The Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN) of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is pleased and proud to announce the winner of the 2012 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Book Award for Young Adult Fiction. Established in 2008 to honor the wishes of young adult author Amelia Elizabeth Walden, the award allows for the sum of $5,000 to be presented annually to the author of a young adult title selected by the ALAN Amelia Elizabeth Walden Book Award Committee as demonstrating a positive approach to life, widespread teen appeal, and literary merit.
The 2012 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Winner is: Shine by Lauren Myracle (Amulet Books)
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